JEFFERSON PUPILS LEARN FOREIGN YULE CUSTOMS

The Morning CallTHE MORNING CALL

Students in Mrs. Claire Alice Newhard's kindergarten classes at Jefferson Elementary School, Emmaus, may be eagerly awaiting Santa Claus, but they're learning about many other Christmas customs these days, too.

The students took their turn reaching in and picking gifts, some plentiful bags of candy, and others with slimmer pickings, from a decorated box they used for an Urn of Fate. The Italian Christmas also has traditions such as a Ceppo, a pyramid-shaped tree.

The youngsters are also learning about the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, commemorating the re-dedication of the Temple of Jerusalem, and the Mexican Christmas, complete with breaking of a pinata, a decorated container filled with candies and gifts.

In keeping with the international spirit of Christmas, the youngsters will visit two groups of Emmaus senior citizens next week, eagerly bringing songs and surprises.